White Oak Financial Literacy Save The Date! Fundraising Project Spotlight This semester, the White Oak seniors’ The White Oak Senior Raffle Thank you to everyone who Saving Unit projects included the creation will be: contributed to or supported the of public service announcements on the importance of saving -- young and often. lower school bake sale! A special The seniors shared their project with their Friday, February 7th thanks to Mrs. Cestola for younger peers. They began with an activity Dinner at 6 PM coordinating the sale! $110 was using skittles (how many to save or spend) Raffle at 7 PM raised towards our technology that involved younger students guessing the fund! prices of popular items. Then the seniors Pasta Dinner Tickets will be shared a PowerPoint presentation with a $10 in advance or $12 at great video about savings (how to save and door. why). After that, the seniors demonstrated a savings jar with a visual of what to save for (setting goals). Finally, the younger Pasta Dinner tickets and students played a money scenario game where they rolled dice and had to either raffle tickets go on sale this spend money (lose skittles) or save money month! (receive skittles). If the younger students saved, they earned interest!

In December we purchased a doc cam, projector, and cart for C Building thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Student Council and parent participation. Our next technology goal is to purchase the same set-up for A Building! The proceeds from the bake sale in December are a great start! Future technology expansion projects include updating some of our reading & writing support software. We will use this column each month to let you know about upcoming fundraisers, volunteer opportunities and progress towards our goals! Thank you all for your help! In December, White Oak seniors shared their financial literacy public service announcements and activities with their younger peers.

Ugly Sweater Day Compass Team News The Compass Team, made up of On Thursday, December 19th, the Student Council hosted the annual White Oak Ugly Sweater Day. Our halls were filled with fabulously ‘ugly’ creations! Thanks high school and middle school to everyone who participated. students, joined residents in Armbrook Village's Compass Unit • Ugliest Sweater: Lauren Benard to make sparkling ornaments. The •Funniest Sweater: Josephine Cestola glitter sparkled cheerfully over our •Most Festive Sweater: Lucia Grimaldi •Most Creative Sweater: Jose Sanchez-Munoz hands and in all of our eyes! Student Council Advisor: Mr. Rodak

Springfield Thunderbirds White Oak Night!

Clinton York was thrilled to meet “Boomer,” the Thunderbirds mascot, at the December 7th White Oak Night at a Springfield Thunderbirds hockey game. The game featured a Teddy Bear Toss, during which a total of 5,887 teddy bears were donated to children in need. Class News Grade 10 News: Hey everyone, hope we all had a restful and Lower School News: relaxing . As we gear up to get The Lower school has had a busy month back in the swing of things, we as advisors collecting for the Westfield State are cooking up some great ideas for University food pantry and making fundraisers as well as that so often spoken posters and reminders to contribute to about class trip. Looking forward to getting the food drive. Our students once again back to the books and knowledge! visited the residents of Armbrook Village Class Advisors: Mr. Riley & Mr. to spread some Christmas cheer by Saccomani reading a variety of seasonal poems and books. Students read books about Hanukkah and Christmas and discussed Grade 11 News: what they hoped to get for Christmas. Breaking News for the 11th Grade! Semester The residents enjoyed the poems and one is nearly in the bag and another books that our students shared with adventure is about to begin. Just as semester them. The residents made a Christmas Kevin Brass, Grade 9 two is on its way, so is our fundraiser, The craft with a yummy chocolate bar for Snow . The dance will be going down each of our students. We were also able Grade 9 News: Saturday, January 18th, which means the to partake of wonderful Christmas Happy New Year 9th graders! 2020! Wow 11th grade will be having a sleepover, set-up cookies as a snack together. Students that makes graduation year of 2023 sound on Friday, January 17th. Permission slips and teachers are looking forward to kind of close!! We hope you all had a great for the sleepover will be coming home soon, Christmas break to relax and enjoy vacation and happy holidays. Our student as well as information on the dance. special time with family and friends. to feature this month is Kevin Brass. Additionally, if anyone can lend us any Class Advisors: Ms. Emond & Mrs. Although Kevin is always good for a funny Christmas lights for the event, that would be Saloio joke and a way to make you smile, there is splendid. In other fundraising we have a more serious side to him as well! He decide that March will be our calendar would like to pursue a career as a fundraiser month, and since every day there Grade 7 & 8 News: firefighter and has already begun training! will be a winner, we are going to need to Happy New Year! It is 2020 and we are When he is not spending time at his fire work together to get some sweet prizes in. moving towards the last few weeks of the station, he likes learning about WWII Most importantly though a very happy first semester of the 2019-2020 school history. In fact, when we asked him to tell holiday from your friendly neighborhood year. This month’s birthday celebrations us about someone whom he admires he advisors. are Kyle Wickles on 1/10 and Olivia said it was General George Patton, a Class advisors: Mrs. Fuda, Mr. Girard, & Standish on 1/11. Happy Birthday to general from WWII. Beyond admiring his Mr. Welch both! bravery and successes in the war, Kevin admires him because he stuck to his word. The 7/8th grade classes have decided to Definitely a quality to admire! Kevin’s love Grade 12 News: of history transfers to school as well where do a community service project of a can Happy Holidays Everyone! It is important to tab collection for Shriners Hospital for history is his favorite class this year. He remember that when we return from break Children in Springfield. Each student at says his teacher is great and so was the there will only be a little over a month until the school has the opportunity to Boston field trip. Kevin didn’t list any the senior raffle on February 7th! We still participate in this community service outside winter activities as hobbies need prizes, so continue working hard to get project. At the end of the school year although he doesn’t mind helping out with donations for the raffle and send them in as there will be a gift card given to the the snow blowing when needed. But for fun soon as possible. We will have the raffle list student who donates the most can tabs he would rather stay indoors and go to RC and order forms available in January. We and a pizza for the class that had Madness. He also enjoys go-kart racing. hope everyone had a fantastic vacation and the highest percentage of participation. He was hoping to receive a helmet for we are looking forward to the new year! We look forward to giving back to the Christmas to wear while racing. Glad to Class Advisors: Mr. Rodak & Ms.Gray-Ross local community. Upcoming activities hear you wear a helmet Kevin! But that will be discussed at our January class makes sense because as a firefighter you meeting! Class Advisors: Ms. Callahan & definitely know about safety!! Happy Mr. Tobin birthday Kevin! Class Advisors: Mrs. Seyler & Mr. Marshall Career Counseling Corner Health Center News By Ms. Rogers

In December, two Career Counseling field trips went out with selected seniors and juniors. We visited Advance Manufacturing to explore a work environment for welders and machinists, and at Springfield Technical Community College, students met with learning specialists in the Disability Office and toured the campus, specifically focusing on health and technology programs. Seniors are busy submitting college applications or exploring apprenticeship and workforce opportunities. Juniors will be investigating results from career inventories in the coming weeks. We plan to work hard to utilize the present in order to prepare for the future and many Happy New Years! By Ms. Rogers

January 2020 update from the Health Center: So, you made a few New Year’s White Oak School Proudly Presents the: resolutions…

Did you know that the custom of starting the “new year” by making resolutions or intentions has been around for a very long time?

Four thousand years ago the ancient Babylonians started their new year by making promises to their gods that they Featuring the hottest DJ in Westfield, DJ Daley! would pay their debts and return Open to Grades 5-12 borrowed goods. If they kept their promises, the gods were happy, and the ● The Snow-Ball Dance will be held in White Oak’s own Cafeteria, coming year would be a good one. Nowadays instead of making promises to Saturday, January 18th. The dance begins at 6pm and ends at 9pm. the gods, most people make resolutions ● Tickets will be on sale starting January 2nd, for the price of $25.00 only to themselves, and focus purely on (See Mrs. Fuda for tickets). If you are bringing an outside guest, it is self-improvement. Unfortunately, on the same price. Please see Mr. Girard or Mr. Welch for permission average about 80% of resolutions fail by slips. February. ● Dinner will be baked ziti and meatballs, with all the trimmings So, if you want to keep your 2020 ● in a semi-formal style (, shirt and tie,) intentions, set resolution goals that ● Should any trouble arise the students responsible will be held reflect who you are and what you value. accountable and their rides will be called to pick them up. Make a plan that works for you that ● If students leave the dance there will be no re-entry; they will have to includes your unique preferences, and go home. talents. Don’t think of giving something up, focus on the benefits of keeping your ● If any parents or staff would like to help chaperone or decorate, resolution. get excited!! Stick with it!!! please feel free to email [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] By the way, the Babylonian “new year” ● Since this is a fundraising event for the 11th grade, any 11th grader started in mid-March, so according to who buys a ticket will not have to work the dance. However, all 11th their calendar, there’s still plenty of time graders are needed for Setup and Cleanup. to come up with your resolution ideas, plot your resolution strategy, and have a ● Most Importantly… let the fun begin! great year! ~Nurse Henderson Dear White Oak School Friends, We are thrilled to tell you about our upcoming Anniversary Celebration Gala, as the year 2020 marks a notable 30 years serving special education students with learning disabilities. It is sure to be a commemoration you won’t want to miss! On May 16, 2020, White Oak is bringing Brass Attack to the Mass Mutual Center Ballroom in Springfield, MA to help make the night a party to remember. This incredibly upbeat, energetic band will help our guests get up on their feet to celebrate the tireless hard work and dedication of our wonderful founder, board of directors, staff, teachers, students, families and generous donors.

The night will begin at 6:00pm and include dinner, auction/raffles, entertainment and presentations from current and former students. It will be a terrific chance to relax and enjoy the good company of family, friends, fellow alumni and colleagues while supporting the White Oak vision.

The proceeds raised at this Gala will help fund replacement of our gymnasium floor, currently concrete and tiling, to a more ergonomic, athlete-friendly and multi-purpose flooring. In addition to serving host to several important school events throughout the year, this space is the primary backdrop for our physical education and athletic programs that provide students who otherwise struggle in school the opportunity to find a passion in physical activity and sports and to shine in their own way.

The link to purchase tickets is: https://qtego.net/qlink/whiteoakschoo l, or you can go to our website at www.whiteoakschool.org for more information. Early reservations are recommended.

Please mark The White Oak School 7/8th grade classes are pleased to your tabs container sponsor a White Oak School can tabs collection effort. with your Please see the 7/8th Grade Class News or contact Ms. name and Callahan for more information. bring to Ms. Callahan! White Oak Wolfpack!

The White Oak basketball season is in full swing. The players and coaches have been hard at work for the past month. Be sure to check out their talent, skill, and sportsmanship at a White Oak Wolfpack game this season!

White Oak Home Basketball Games, 2020 All games start at 4pm

January: February:

1/9 vs. St. Michael’s 2/3 vs. Four Rivers

1/15 vs. Bart 2/4 vs. Eagle Hill

1/29 vs. Dublin (jv) 2/6 vs. Buxton

1/30 vs. Hartsbrook you like and enjoy it. However, after My favorite is “Show Yourself” for its Movie Review: watching it too many times, you don’t emotion, the singing, the background enjoy it as much. I started having some music, and the melody. After seeing the Frozen II problems with it. Examples include big movie, I’ve listened to this song so many by Spencer Caroll plot holes that raise questions, rushed times and I’ve never gotten sick of pacing, a climax that feels like it listening to it; it’s such an earworm. arrives way too early, a plot twist that doesn’t make sense, and a sister relationship that is not as strong as the movie probably intended it to be. I do have some positives like Olaf, the animation, and some of the music, but it is an overrated film, in my opinion.

With that out of the way, what do I think about “Frozen II?” Honestly, as someone who is not a fan of the first I do have a few gripes with this movie. one, I think the sequel is even better First, there’s a subplot with Kristoff than the first. The animation in this having difficulty trying to propose to Back in 2013, Disney’s “Frozen” was film is fantastic and just beautiful. The Anna. It’s just a bit unnecessary, and a an unexpected, but successful hit. It colors and visuals are just so nice to bit lame. Another gripe I have is that sold a bunch of merchandise, people the human eye. I thought the the climax happens a bit quick. It’s not were singing the songs, and there is relationship between Anna and Elsa that it came earlier than it should have, now a Broadway musical production. was better here. In the first one, like in the last one, it’s just how it feels Never had a Disney film been this big because the pacing was rushed, we in terms of time length and pace. But and successful since The Lion King. didn’t get that many scenes with Anna my big issue with this film is what they As expected, Disney decided to make and Elsa being sisters. Because of that, do with one of the characters. I won’t a sequel to the juggernaut film. It there was a sense of weight and give it away, but at one point that came out on November 22. Since this development missing from their character gets left behind when the is a sequel to a fairly beloved and relationship. Luckily, since Anna and other 3 characters continue on their successful movie, people were not Elsa are together a lot in the movie, we journey. There that character has a song sure how it would be. On November get many scenes with them together number and we cut back to the other 27, I saw it. So, how did movie is and see more of the sisterly bond characters on their journey and focus on compared to the first one? Let’s dive between them. The characters are still them for most of the movie. In the last right in! memorable and likable. Elsa is curious act of the film, we see that character about what’s going on and Anna is very again but realize we haven’t seen the In “Frozen II,” Elsa hears a protective of her older sister. While character for 40 minutes. It’s almost as mysterious voice calling out to her. Olaf is still a funny and cute bit of if the writers didn’t know what to do And when she follows it, she comic relief, one scene in particular is with the character. Maybe part of the unintentionally awakens the the best. The plot is also good. It’s movie was cut out due to the running elemental spirits, which forces the interesting and has adventure to it. I time, or they are saving it for a little people of Arendelle to evacuate. To also think it’s better paced. Since short film. However, in terms of fix the problem, Elsa, her sister “Frozen II” is a musical just like its storytelling and utilizing characters it Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven predecessor, how are the songs? They didn’t work, at least for me. Overall, embark on a journey to save the are good for the most part. Some of “Frozen II” was better than its kingdom by discovering the origins them may not have the memorability predecessor in my opinion. It met my of the kingdom’s past and Elsa’s ice of the songs from the first movie, but expectations and I felt satisfied with the powers. the songs here are still catchy and had movie overall. some effort put into them. My Before I begin, I want to give a quick stand-out picks would have to be “Into review on the first “Frozen.” For me, the Unknown,” “Lost in the Woods,” “Frozen” is one of those films that and “Show Yourself.” the first couple of times you watch it, Scenes from the Connected Life Reading Club at Armbrook Village